The Role of Mastery in the Relation between Perceived Ethnic Discrimination and Depression Symptomatology

Abstract

Current literature is inconsistent about the role of mastery in the relation between perceived ethnic discrimination and depression. While on the one hand, higher levels of mastery are theorized to buffer against the impact of perceived ethnic discrimination, on the other hand, ethnic discrimination is thought to lower one’s level of mastery, explaining negative health outcomes. Using structural equation modeling, this study examined both roles of mastery in the relation between perceived ethnic discrimination and depression in a large multi-ethnic sample of immigrant adults in the Netherlands. Furthermore, it was explored whether the role of mastery was dependent upon the severity of the discrimination perceived. As was expected, perceptions of ethnic discrimination were positively related to depression symptomatology. This relation was both mediated and moderated by mastery, regardless of the level of discrimination one perceived. Implications for the counseling practice are discussed.